Sanofi Meter Tracks A1c’s at Shorter Intervals

Sanofi has introduced a blood glucose meter that allows users to track their A1c levels over shorter intervals, giving them the information they need to accurately gauge their insulin intake.

The MyStar Extra® meter made its debut at the recent annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Barcelona, Spain.

Sanofi says the meter’s function is based on a new A1c estimation method that tracks average glycemia–blood glucose levels–from data stored in the device. According to Dr Boris Kovatchev, Director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Diabetes Technology, who presented Sanofi’s data at the conference, the estimation procedure used in MyStar Extra provides accurate estimates of the long-term average blood glucose value–even if data is collected infrequently.

“The major advantage of this method is that it can work with infrequent self-monitoring data, for example fasting blood glucose readings and occasional daily profiles, and still provide reliable estimations where other techniques could fail,” said Kovatchev. “Studies confirmed that the dynamical estimation procedure of MyStar Extra accurately tracks accurately the changes in average glycemia underlying the changes in A1c.”

Sanofi, which plans to begin marketing the meter soon in the European Union, says that MyStar Extra helps insulin users, whether new or experienced, to track their blood glucose control by providing three-, seven- and 30-day fasting plasma glucose averages, and fasting plasma glucose trends. The three-day fasting plasma glucose average is an important indicator for insulin titration.

“People with diabetes need to actively manage their diabetes to achieve good blood sugar control,” said Dr William Polonsky, Associate Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, and Founder and President of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute. “Support and guidance through new technologies in self-monitoring of blood glucose can increase patients’ motivation to stay on track–and motivation is very important in a chronic disease like diabetes. What’s more, several studies have shown that ongoing feedback of one’s A1c may really help people to see the value of diabetes self-care and ultimately improve diabetes control.

Sanofi has not yet announced when the meter will be introduced to the U.S. market.

Diabetes Health Medical Disclaimer
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Opinions expressed here are the opinions of writers, contributors, and commentators, and are not necessarily those of Diabetes Health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website.